High School course selection

[Anonymous]

DC is a rising 9th grader choosing classes in a Nova public high school. They will take all honors in 9th grade as well as a foreign language. They are considering taking both band (including marching band) and orchestra. Is possible to take two music classes through high school, as well as a foreign language?

What elective or core classes would DC miss by doing this? How would a college view this?

DC is torn between the two and I'm not sure how to advise, whether to make them choose one or take both.

[Anonymous]

They can, if they take PE during the summer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They can, if they take PE during the summer.

I take that back. It depends on how many band and orchestra classes they will need to take. If they are in two bands and one orchestra, then that might not work with a foreign language. They can are one band, one orchestra, and one foreign language a year (with PE in the summer). The may need to take another class online (like an elective that they need).

[Anonymous]

You may want to start this thread in the school forum of your jurisdiction

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You may want to start this thread in the school forum of your jurisdiction

+1 going to vary by district

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You may want to start this thread in the school forum of your jurisdiction

I posted on the specific forum and was advised that colleges would view this unfavorably as not the most rigorous course load and recommended posting here. I'm not sure what I'm missing though.

If DC takes the core classes at an honors or AP level and takes a foreign language, then what would DC be missing by taking two music classes (one band and one orchestra class) each year?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You may want to start this thread in the school forum of your jurisdiction

I posted on the specific forum and was advised that colleges would view this unfavorably as not the most rigorous course load and recommended posting here. I'm not sure what I'm missing though.

If DC takes the core classes at an honors or AP level and takes a foreign language, then what would DC be missing by taking two music classes (one band and one orchestra class) each year?

Your child should pursue their passion. Ultimately, that’s what means the most in the college application process.

[Anonymous]

You’re fine. Still need 2 PEs and 1 Econ and personal finance. This can be summer, but it’s required to graduate, so don’t mess that up!

If taking 5 core classes every year, at highest rigor that makes sense for the student, that’s great.

[Anonymous]

I think it's common to double up on science to get the APs in. E.g. you take honors chemistry sophomore year and then junior year you take AP Chem alongside your regular junior honors science, typically physics. Taking band and orchestra all four years would make doubling up on science impossible, and thus limit your child's APs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it's common to double up on science to get the APs in. E.g. you take honors chemistry sophomore year and then junior year you take AP Chem alongside your regular junior honors science, typically physics. Taking band and orchestra all four years would make doubling up on science impossible, and thus limit your child's APs.

No…it’s not common to double-up on science junior year. It would actually be in the ‘uncommon’ category.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's common to double up on science to get the APs in. E.g. you take honors chemistry sophomore year and then junior year you take AP Chem alongside your regular junior honors science, typically physics. Taking band and orchestra all four years would make doubling up on science impossible, and thus limit your child's APs.

No…it’s not common to double-up on science junior year. It would actually be in the ‘uncommon’ category.

I think the question is, common among whom? Kids gunning for the ivies, it is. OP's kid might not be, or might. They're only in 8th grade, so who knows.

OP, by all means let your kid take both music classes next year, but be prepared to drop one later if necessary.